Responsibility Deal – high costs of failure

PLANS TO DITCH the public health responsibility deal could cost foodservice firms dear, according to the British Hospitality Association.

"Lots of companies have invested a lot of money [in this initiative]. We want to see that investment continue," said chief executive Ufi Ibrahim.

Ibrahim, speaking at Food Matters live this week, suggested that the money companies had put into reformulation and calorie labelling could go to waste if, as reports suggest, the voluntary deal is wound up.

Speaking later, Sodexo brand director Phil Hooper - a big supporter of the deal from the start - admitted that he and others had been left in the dark. "We're not sure where the responsibility deal is at this time."

Critics suggest the voluntary approach has not worked, with not enough companies making commitments and many choosing easier options.